GrowPlsPlant questions
Real questions from home gardeners, the kind people post with a worried photo, answered by GrowPls: what's likely going on, what to do about it, and when to worry.
Showing questions tagged #root-rot · show all
protea
How can I save my potted protea that is browning and sparse?
The protea in the photo is stressed, likely from a mix of poor drainage/over‑watering and an unsuitable potting mix. Trim back the dead stems, improve drainage, and refresh with a very free‑draining, low‑fertility mix, then water deeply but only when the top of the mix has dried out.
succulent
Is the red color on my succulent stem a sign of root rot?
That reddish stem alone doesn’t look like root rot; many succulents get red tones from light or age. Check the roots and the base of the stem for mushy, dark, smelly tissue and make sure the pot drains well to be safe.
Alocasia (African mask/Polly type)
Why are the leaves on my Alocasia always drying up even though soil stays wet?
The soil staying constantly wet is likely causing root rot, so the plant can’t take up water and the leaves dry and die. Let the soil dry out between waterings, check for drainage holes, and repot into a well‑draining mix if the roots look mushy or black.
monstera
When should I move my rooted Monstera cutting from water to soil?
Those roots look ready for soil now. Pot it up in a chunky, lightly moist mix and keep it evenly barely-damp while it adjusts.
orchid
Does my orchid in a glass pot have root rot?
Yes, this orchid is suffering from severe root and possibly crown rot, made worse by sitting in a glass container with poor drainage. Take it out of the pot, cut away all mushy or hollow roots, and repot in fresh orchid bark with good drainage.
Christmas cactus
Why are the segment tips on my Christmas cactus cutting turning brown?
The brown, shriveling tips are most likely rot from staying too wet while the cutting is still weakly rooted, sometimes combined with strong sun. Check the roots, cut back to healthy tissue, and re-root the best pieces in a very well‑draining mix, watering only when the top dries.
cactus
Is the yellow base on my grafted cactus root rot?
From the photo it looks more like corking (a firm, woody, aged area) than classic soft root rot, but you need to feel it to be sure. Gently press the yellow band: if it’s hard and dry it’s normal corking; if it’s soft or mushy, unpot it and cut away rot.
plumeria (frangipani)
How can I tell if my plumeria roots are rotting and when should I cut them?
Yes, that tissue is likely starting to rot from staying too wet. Cut back to firm, clean, white tissue as soon as the soil has a few dry days, then improve drainage so the area doesn’t stay waterlogged after heavy rain.
century plant (agave)
Is this root rot on my century plant pups and can I still save them?
The dark, mushy tissue at the base does look like rot, likely from staying too wet, and the pups didn’t have time to grow strong roots. Cut back to firm, healthy tissue, let the pieces dry and callus, then replant in very well‑draining soil and keep almost dry until new roots form.
calathea (prayer plant)
How can I save my dying calathea (prayer plant) with crispy, drooping leaves?
This calathea is badly stressed, most likely from a mix of very dry soil at times and root problems from poor watering or low humidity. Check the roots, repot into fresh mix if they’re still firm and pale, cut off the dead leaves, and then keep the soil lightly moist in medium, indirect light.
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